“The Shark Bite Capital of the World”.
New Smyrna Beach stretches along Florida’s eastern coast, and is known for its fun sized waves, compact sugar sand that you can drive on, as well as its daunting nickname - the “Shark Bite Capital of the World.”
This reputation comes from the destination’s history of shark attacks that continue today.
Are these shark attacks something to keep you from paddling out?
Whether you’re a local or visitors, here’s everything you need to know about shark attacks in New Smyrna Beach.
How Many Shark Attacks Happen in New Smyrna Beach?
New Smyrna Beach has had a scary high number of shark attacks over the years.
Since the 1880s, there have been over 300 reported incidents, making the beach the site of the most shark bites anywhere in the United States.
In spite of this, it's important to mention that the majority of these attacks are minor and tend to result in nothing more than little scratches.
In more recent years, the average has remained somewhere between five to ten bites annually, with most taking place during the warmer months when more people are in the water.
What Kind of Sharks Live / Migrate to New Smyrna Beach?
The waters off of New Smyrna Beach are home to many kinds of sharks -- most commonly blacktip sharks, spinner sharks, and bull sharks.
Blacktip sharks are known for leaping out of the water, and can frequently be spotted in the shallows.
Their migration period rolls around in the spring and fall, so this is when they’re the most populous in NSB.
Spinner sharks have distinct spinning jumps -- hence their name -- and bull sharks are known for their ability to adapt quickly to various types of environments.
These guys can survive in both fresh and saltwater. Both spinners and bull sharks aren’t normally aggressive, but with how close into shore they’re able to swim, their encounters with swimmers and surfers naturally increases.
What Months are Sharks the Most Active in New Smyrna Beach?
Shark activity in New Smyrna Beach tends to peak during the warmer months of the year, specifically from April through October.
This time frame lines up with the migration patterns of most shark species, and they tend to get closer to shore in order to take advantage of the abundant prey that is also active.
These months also align with an increase in beachgoer activity, as both locals and tourists flock to the beach to enjoy the sun and water themselves.
July and August in particular are the months with the highest numbers of shark bites. This again has to do with the high numbers of both people and sharks in the water.
How to Protect Yourself From a Shark Attack in New Smyrna Beach
While the idea of a shark attack is always daunting, there are several steps you can take to minimize risk:
Always swim in groups: sharks are more likely to go after humans when they’re alone
Avoid swimming during dawn or dusk: this is when sharks are most active and you’re not able to see them coming very well
Steer clear of fishing areas: fisherman's bait can attract sharks
Avoid anything bright: from neon swim trunks to shiny jewelry, anything vibrant can catch a shark’s attention easier
Be mindful of your surroundings: signs such as schools of fish or diving birds can be a signal that a shark is close by
Shark Attacks in New Smyrna Beach
There you have it: while New Smyrna Beach is a shark bite capital, use the tips in this article to stay safe, and enjoy the waves!